The state of Ohio is known for producing great linebackers and the 2013 class seems to have a handful of outstanding prospects at the position once again. Youngstown (Ohio) Cardinal Mooney product Courtney Love certainly falls into that category as the 6-foot-1, 222-pound prospect is part of a loaded junior class at Mooney that also includes division I safety prospect Marcus McWilson. Already, Love is hearing from some of the top programs in the nation.

Love got some exciting news this week as he picked up his first verbal scholarship offer from Nebraska.

"It's really exciting," said Love of the Nebraska offer. "I knew they wanted to offer me but that they wanted to see what I did on the field so I was happy to see that they (offered)."

Nebraska already has two players from Cardinal Mooney on the roster in running back Braylon Heard and wide receiver Tim Marlowe. The Huskers join another Midwest power with some Mooney ties in Love's early top two.

"I like Ohio State and Nebraska," Love said.

On Ohio State - "I got a recruiting questionnaire from them about three weeks ago and I've talked to coach (Nick) Siciliano. I love their coaches and I love their defense."

On Nebraska - "I love the defense. They've got a great team and I'm also happy that they moved into the Big Ten this year, that's a big plus."

Love is glad to have his first offer on the board and is hoping to check out Nebraska during the fall.

"It's definitely a big weight off my shoulders and off my family's shoulders," Love said. "I want to go down (to Nebraska) and hopefully get a chance to check it out. We've got a couple of kids down there from Mooney and I know coach Bo (Pelini) pretty well so I think it will be exciting."

While Nebraska's big news this off-season was its move to the Big Ten conference, Ohio State has been in the news a lot as the school waits to hear its final punishment from the NCAA. Love says that the NCAA situation hasn't affected his feelings towards Ohio State.

"I haven't really paid too much attention to it," he said. "I still like the team no matter what."

On the field, Cardinal Mooney got a huge win on Saturday in its season opener against Canton McKinley. The Cards have a monster schedule this season, but the expectations are just as high as ever.

"Our expectations every year is to win state and to compete against the best teams," he said. "(The schedule) is very exciting. Every week we get better and better and practice harder and harder and work towards our goal of winning the state championship."